Eating with IC - Interstitial Cystitis Association

Eating with IC

Interstitial Cystitis Association



Research about the effect of diet on interstitial cystitis, or IC, is limited. But, many people with IC report that certain foods appear to irritate their bladder. And, they find that changing what they eat and drink can help control IC symptoms and flare-ups.

What things can

bother people with IC?

Research links a handful of foods and drinks to IC flare-ups, including: ? Coffee, tea, soda, alcohol,

and citrus juices including cranberry juice.

? Foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners (aspartame and saccharin).

? Hot peppers and spicy food.

? Some foods with high potassium levels, like bananas, chocolate, and oranges.

However, there appears to be great individual variation in the effect of foods and drinks on IC symptoms. How much, how often, and the specific combination of foods and drinks varies for each person. Also, some fresh foods that bother you may not cause a flare-up when they are cooked. For example, though a fresh apple may irritate your bladder, you may be able to enjoy applesauce.

Many people with IC note worsening of symptoms with foods, drinks, medicines, and supplements containing preservatives, artificial ingredients, colors, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Flares may occur within minutes of eating or drinking a trigger item, or may occur hours or days later.

Some IC patients have additional symptoms caused by food allergies, including sensitivities to wheat, corn, rye, oats, and barley. Other patients with milk allergies and lactose intolerance may experience a bad response to these foods. Women with vulvodynia may need to avoid foods high in oxalates. Talk with your healthcare provider about any food intolerances and potential cross reactions.

Discovering which

foods and beverages

to restrict can be a

lengthy process.

To determine your personal trigger foods, use this list of the least to most bothersome foods, or download a copy at ICFoodList: BLADDER FRIENDLY includes foods that rarely bother even the most sensitive IC bladders. If you are newly diagnosed, eat those foods until you experience some relief from your symptoms. It may take a few weeks, but do your best to stick with it! TRY IT includes foods that are generally safe to eat, though they might bother more sensitive bladders. If your bladder is improving, these foods are safe to try. Start with a small quantity and see how you do. CAUTION includes foods which trigger bladder discomfort. Try these foods only if your bladder is no longer sensitive.

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